The show itself unfolded as a sartorial spectacle, with models walking down a yellow brick road on the Pont Neuf, which “orbits the sun as a focal point for opportunity, responsibility and improvement,” the show notes said. The bridge, which signifies the connection between his hometown of Virginia and Paris, Williams honors Princess Anne High School, which he embodied in savoir-faire get varsity jackets.
Departing from his usual vibrant color palette, Williams chose to use neutral tones in olive green, khaki and grey, which he calls “Damoflage” as a tribute to his work with Kenzo Creative Director and founder of A Bathing Ape Nigo. Suit sets coordinated with matching camouflage boot shorts for a touch, while colorful camouflage coats and jackets paid homage to Louis Vuitton’s signature Damier monogram, reimagining the house’s codes in stunning pixelated patterns. Williams also engaged American artist Henry Taylor to design micro-embroidery on tailoring, denim and accessories.
Elsewhere, the classic square monogram found its place throughout the collection, appearing in both its classic proportions and a large iteration, serving as a unifying element that seamlessly tied together the range of pieces featured, including coats, jackets, shirts and ties. Pearl-embellished cross-body bags added a subtle touch to the military-themed look, and the pixelated theme echoed throughout her bag offerings, including the Dean backpack, Horizon luggage and mini luggage. Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunk is reimagined through Williams’ futuristic lens in Monogram copper, a healing element essential to living organisms that organically transforms and patinas in sunlight.
Despite the overall neutral tone that ran through the collection, standout pieces like the iconic Keepall and Speedy bags, as featured in Rihanna’s campaign, boldly featured puffy square monograms rendered in vibrant shades of yellow, green, blue and orange , highlighting Williams’ signature dynamic color palette. Denim sets were also seen throughout the collection, and designer jackets were constructed with navy blue alligator leather.
The Maison’s newest maestro made a headlining entrance at the end of the show, dressed in a pixelated Damoflage suit, accompanied by a hat and bedazzled sunglasses. After leaving the convention, Williams shared the spotlight with his entire team, allowing them to bask in the glory of such a historic occasion. Williams was no stranger to the house, erupting in extreme euphoria as a choir, Voices of Fire, performed “JOY” for his latest outing, belting out the lyrics “If you want it, you can have it. need it, can have it”—a triumphant moment for the artist-turned-designer who dreamed of one day bringing his vision to the home.
Click through the gallery below to see every look from Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2024 Menswear.
